Mékw’ Scháy7áw7xw tse Schlá7ngen

The mission and vision of the Chelángen Department is to create a cohesive tribal community with strong cultural ties while preserving, promoting, and protecting our traditions, culture, and language.

In November 2015, the Chelángen Department was created by bringing together existing positions into one department with the goal of helping us work more cohesively and efficiently. The Chelángen programs include:

The earlier days of the Samish Tribe’s organization points to the preservation of traditions and culture of the Samish Tribe (Samish Constitution 1951, Articles 1-5). The present Council felt the need to carry on with those earlier traditions and culture with meaningful input of the Samish staff.

During the late summer, administrative staff held a number of sessions addressing the need for a coordinated effort of the staff with the ‘Samish culture under one house’ concept. In keeping with the ‘updated ways’ of traditions and culture, the Mékw’ Scháy7áw7xw tse Schelá7ngen or “Cultural Department” was created.